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LOT 1086
Outstanding Engraved Forehand & Wadsworth Pattern Side
Hammer Spur Trigger Pocket Revolver with Pearl Grips - NSN, 22 RF cal., 2 1/2 inch
octagon bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured c. second half of the 19th century, this
revolver is very much in line with the side hammer revolver pattern produced by both Ethan Allen and
subsequently Forehand & Wadsworth, who produced only an estimated 1,000 of these revolvers in the
1870s, a small percentage of which were engraved. This example lacks any of the markings typically seen
on the revolvers made by those two manufacturers and the cylinder pin latch is similar to those seen on
some James Reid revolvers. The period retailer engraving is cut through the finish and features extensive floral scroll on both sides
of the frame and around the cylinder along with wavy line accents, and floral motifs on the top flats of the
barrel. It is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Excellent to near mint, retains 98% plus of the original nickel finish with a few scattered
specks of flaking at the rear of the cylinder and crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with
only the slightest handling marks.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Brig & Louise
Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,250
LOT 1085
Attractive,
Cased, Deluxe
Engraved and Gold
Plated Ethan Allen & Co. Sidehammer
Spur Trigger Revolver with Relief Carved
Pearl Grips - Serial no. 1947, 22 RF cal., 2 5/16
inch octagon bbl., gold/silver finish, pearl
grips. Manufactured c. 1865, this is a very fine
and ornate example of an Ethan Allen & Co.
.22 sidehammer revolver. This example is an eighth issue, which features
the attractive “bird’s head” grip profile. The frame is gold plated while
the cylinder, trigger, hammer, and cylinder pin are silver plated. The
left of the barrel has the two-line Ethan Allen & Co. address and patent
dates (stamped lightly with some characters faint). The revolver has 75%
coverage factory engraving which features beautiful floral scroll, starbursts,
and geometric patterns. The matching serial number is marked on the left of the grip frame,
bottom of the barrel and rear face of the cylinder, and “1847” (likely a factory error) is scratched
inside both of the grips. The pearl grips are beautifully carved with floral motifs and basketweave
patterns. Includes a leatherette/hard rubber wrapped case fitted for the gun and a cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original gold and silver finishes with the
silver showing an attractive, lightly aged patina and a few scattered spots of light flaking, mainly
on edges. The grips are very fine with a hairline crack in the butt, only the slightest handling
marks, and crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. It would be difficult to find a finer example of
these scarce revolvers!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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